Fiber optic light guide for generating illuminated indicia for an electric burner of a heating appliance

ABSTRACT

A heating appliance includes a translucent cooktop and a burner in communication with the cooktop. The burner is operable between deactive and active states. The upper surface of the cooktop defines a cooldown state after the burner is moved from the active to the deactive state. A light module includes a light source and is in an illuminated state when the burner is in the active state and when the cooktop is in the cooldown state. A light guide extends from the light module and around a portion of the burner. The light guide is positioned such that the light source directs light through the light guide. The outer surface of the light guide includes a formed surface that directs light upward and through the cooktop, wherein the light guide is visible through the cooktop when the light module is in the illuminated state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/809,898 filed Jul. 27, 2015, entitled FIBER OPTIC LIGHTGUIDE FOR GENERATING ILLUMINATED INDICIA FOR AN ELECTRIC BURNER OF AHEATING APPLIANCE, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The device is in the field of electric appliances such as ranges andcooktops. Specifically, the device is in the field of illuminatedindicia for communicating the heating condition of a cooktop during useof the electric heating appliance.

SUMMARY

In at least one aspect, a heating appliance includes a cooktop that isat least partially translucent and an electric burner positioned inthermal communication with an upper surface of the cooktop. The electricburner is operable between a deactive state and at least one activestate, wherein the upper surface of the cooktop proximate the electricburner defines a temporary cooldown state after the electric burner ismoved from the at least one active state to the deactive state. A lightmodule includes at least one light source, wherein the light module isin an illuminated state when the electric burner is in the at least oneactive state, and wherein the light module remains at least partially inthe illuminated state during the temporary cooldown state. A light guideextends from the light module and extends around a portion of theelectric burner. The light guide is positioned such that the lightsource directs light through the light guide. The outer surface of thelight guide includes a formed surface for directing the light upward andthrough the cooktop such that the light guide is at least partiallyvisible through the cooktop when the light module is in the illuminatedstate.

In at least another aspect, a light module is in communication with atranslucent cooktop, wherein the light module includes a plurality oflighting elements that selectively direct light through a silicone lightguide. An electric burner is positioned proximate a translucent cooktop,wherein the silicone light guide extends at least partially around theelectric burner and directs light from the light module through thetranslucent cooktop to reveal an illuminated indicia of a plurality ofilluminated indicia within the upper surface of the translucent cooktop.A temperature sensor is in communication with the light module, whereinthe temperature sensor measures a surface temperature of the translucentcooktop proximate the electric burner. The plurality of light elementsgenerates the plurality of illuminative indicia by directing light fromthe plurality of lighting elements and through the translucent cooktopin response to the surface temperature of the translucent cooktop viathe silicone light guide.

In at least another aspect, a heating appliance includes an electricburner positioned below a translucent cooktop, wherein the electricburner selectively provides heat to the upper surface of the translucentcooktop to generate a plurality of heating conditions. A light modulehas a plurality of light fixtures and at least one solid silicone prism,wherein each of the plurality of light fixtures is positioned to directlight through one of first and second ends of the at least one solidsilicone prism to produce a plurality of illuminated indicia visiblethrough the translucent cooktop. The plurality of illuminated indiciaincludes a plurality of operational indicia, wherein each operationalindicia of the plurality of operational indicia corresponds to arespective heating condition of the plurality of heating conditions, andwherein each of the plurality of illuminated indicia is positionedproximate the electric burner. A control operates the electric burner togenerate the plurality of heating conditions and the correspondingplurality of operational indicia.

In at least another aspect, a heating appliance includes a translucentcooktop surface and an electric burner positioned below and in thermalcommunication with the cooktop surface. The electric burner is operablebetween a deactive state and at least one active state, wherein thecooktop surface proximate the electric burner defines a temporarycooldown state after the electric burner is moved from the at least oneactive state to the deactive state. A light module includes at least onelight source, wherein the light module is in an illuminated state whenthe electric burner is in the at least one active state, and wherein thelight module remains in the illuminated state during the temporarycooldown state. A fiber optic light guide extends from the light moduleand extends around a portion of the electric burner, wherein the fiberoptic ring is positioned such that the light source directs lightthrough the fiber optic ring, and wherein the outer surface of the fiberoptic ring includes a conditioned surface for directing the light upwardand through the translucent cooktop surface.

In at least another aspect, a heating appliance includes an electricburner positioned beneath a translucent cooktop and a light module incommunication with the translucent cooktop proximate the electricburner. The light module includes a plurality of light elements thatselectively direct light through a fiber optic light guide extending atleast partially around the electric burner and a temperature sensor incommunication with the light module. The temperature sensor measures asurface temperature of the translucent cooktop proximate the electricburner, and the plurality of light elements generates a plurality ofilluminative indicia within the fiber optic light guide that correspondsto the surface temperature of the translucent cooktop.

In at least another aspect, a heating appliance includes an electricburner positioned below a translucent cooktop, wherein the electricburner selectively provides heat to the upper surface of the translucentcooktop to generate a plurality of heating conditions. A light modulehas a plurality of light fixtures and at least one fiber optic lightguide, wherein each of the plurality of light fixtures is positioned todirect light through one of first and second ends of the at least onefiber optic light guide to produce a plurality of illuminated indiciavisible through the translucent cooktop, wherein the plurality ofilluminated indicia includes a plurality of operational indicial,wherein each operational indicia of the plurality of operationalindicial corresponds to a respective heating condition of the pluralityof heating conditions. Each of the plurality of illuminated indicia ispositioned proximate the electric burner. A control operates theelectric burner to generate the plurality of heating conditions and thecorresponding plurality of operational indicia.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present devicewill be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the artupon studying the following specification, claims, and appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a cooktop disposed within a counterand incorporating an aspect of the indicial light module of the presentdevice;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the cooktop of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the cooktop of FIG. 2 with the translucentcooktop surface removed and exposing the electric burners and aspects ofthe indicial light module;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the cooktop of FIG. 3 taken at areaIV;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternate aspect of the cooktop of FIG.4 illustrating a multi-component light guide of the indicial lightmodule;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the indicial light module of FIG. 2taken along line

VI-VI, and illustrating a solid silicone light guide of the indiciallight module;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate aspect of the indiciallight module of

FIG. 6 showing a triangular prism light guide;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate aspect of the indiciallight module of

FIG. 7 illustrating a multi-part light guide of the indicial lightmodule; and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate aspect of an indiciallight module;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate aspect of the indiciallight guide of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate aspect of the indiciallight module of FIG. 9 illustrating a multi-part light guide; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method forcommunicating the heating condition of a cooking surface of a heatingappliance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it isto be understood that the device may assume various alternativeorientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, reference numeral 10 generally refers to anindicial light module to be positioned proximate an electric burner 12and under a cooktop 14 of a heating appliance 16. The heating appliance16 can include a cooktop 14 that is at least partially translucent andan electric burner 12 that is positioned in thermal communication withan upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14. The electric burner 12 isconfigured to be operable between a deactive state 20 and at least oneactive state 22. The upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14 proximate theelectric burner 12 can also define a temporary cooldown state 24, whichcan occur after the electric burner 12 is moved from the at least oneactive state 22 to the deactive state 20. It is contemplated that thecooldown state 24 can be further defined as the upper surface 18 of thecooktop 14 cooling down after being heated during the at least one ofthe active states 22, as will be more fully described below. The heatingappliance 16 can also include the indicial light module 10 that includesat least one light source 26. The indicial light module 10 is configuredto be in an illuminated state 28 at least when the electric burner 12 isin the at least one of the active states 22. It is contemplated that theindicial light module 10 can be at least partially in the illuminatedstate 28 during the temporary cooldown state 24 of the heating appliance16. A light guide 30 is configured to extend from the indicial lightmodule 10, where the light guide 30 extends around a portion of theelectric burner 12. The light guide 30 is positioned such that the lightsource 26 of the indicial light module 10 directs light through thelight guide 30. The outer surface 32 of the light guide 30 includes aformed or conditioned surface 34 for directing the light 50 from thelight source 26 upward and through the partially translucent cooktop 14such that the light guide 30 is at least partially visible through thepartially translucent cooktop 14 when the indicial light module 10 is inthe illuminated state 28 and/or a partial gradient of the illuminatedstate 28. According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated thatthe light guide 30 can be a silicone light guide 30 that is asubstantially solid silicone prism 40 that extends at least partiallyaround the electric burner 12 of the heating appliance 16. Othermaterials of the light guide 30 are also contemplated, as will bedescribed more fully below.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-6, it is contemplated that the at least oneactive state 22 of the electric burner 12 can include a plurality ofelectric power levels 68, through which the flow of electrical current70 from a power source (not shown) can be delivered to an electricburner 12 to define the plurality of electric power levels 68. Thevaried flow of electrical current 70 can, in turn, increase or decreasethe amount of heat 72 emitted from the electric burner 12 andtransferred to the partially translucent cooktop 14. It is alsocontemplated that the illuminated state 28 of the indicial light module10 includes a plurality of lighting intensities 74 that can correspondto the plurality of electric power levels 68 of the electric burner 12.In this manner, according to various aspects of the device, it iscontemplated that the indicial light module 10 can provide varyingintensities of light 50 through the light guide 30 for indicating to theuser the amount of heat 72 being provided by the electric burner 12 tothe upper surface 18 of the partially translucent cooktop 14. It is alsocontemplated that the plurality of lighting intensities 74 provided bythe indicial light module 10 can be generated by at least one lightingelement 80 positioned within the light module 10. Accordingly, as thelighting intensity of the indicial light module 10 needs to be increasedto correspond to an increase in heat 72, additional lighting elements 80disposed within the indicial light module 10 can be activated toincrease the amount of light 50 delivered through the light guide 30 tobe directed through the partially translucent cooktop 14. Alternatively,it is contemplated that the plurality of light intensities of theindicial light module 10 can be provided by a single lighting element 80that can provide various amounts of light 50 depending upon the flow ofelectrical current 70 delivered to the lighting element 80 disposedwithin the indicial light module 10.

According to the various embodiments, the indicial light module 10 canbe used in conjunction with any one of various heating appliances 16.Such heating appliances 16 can include cooktops 14 having electricburners 12 that are resistive heating elements, inductive heatingelements, combination resistive/inductive heating elements, and othersimilar electrical burners. Additionally, it is contemplated that theindicial light module 10 can be used in conjunction with gas-poweredheating appliances 16. When disposed within a heating appliance 16, theindicial light module 10 is configured to provide a light guide 30 thatextends at least partially around the electric burner 12 (or other typeof heating element, as discussed herein) where the light guide 30 isconfigured to direct light 50 from the indicial light module 10 throughthe translucent cooktop 14 to reveal an illuminated indicia 52 of aplurality of illuminated indicia 54 within the upper surface 18 of thetranslucent cooktop 14. In this manner, the illuminated indicia 52 cancommunicate to the user of the appliance the temperature 56 of the uppersurface 18 of the cooktop 14, or an approximation thereof based uponvarious configurations of the indicial light module 10.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-6, various embodiments of the heatingappliance 16 can include a temperature sensor 90 that is incommunication with the cooktop 14, where the temperature sensor 90records a temperature 56 of the upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14proximate the electric burner 12. According to the various embodiments,the temperature sensor 90 can be placed in communication with theindicial light module 10 to provide information as to the temperature 56of the upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14. The information as to thetemperature 56 can be used to control the operation of the indiciallight module 10 to provide a corresponding illuminated indicia 52 thatis adapted to communicate to the user the temperature 56 of the uppersurface 18 of the cooktop 14. Such information can be useful during thecooldown state 24 of the electric burner 12, where the electric burner12 can be in the deactive state 20, but the electric burner 12 and/orthe upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14 may temporarily have an elevatedtemperature 56.

By way of example, but not limitation, in certain heating appliances 16having resistive heating elements, the resistive heating elements aregenerally visible through the cooktop 14 when the heating elements arein an active state 22 and in producing heat 72 to transfer to the uppersurface 18 of the cooktop 14. In such conditions, the illumination ofthe resistive heating elements through the flow of electrical current 70through the resistive heating element can provide an indication to theuser that the heating element is activated and the upper surface 18 ofthe cooktop 14 is at an elevated temperature 56. When the resistiveheating element of the electric burner 12 is moved to the deactive state20, it is typically the case that the resistive heating element is nolonger illuminated, but the resistive heating element and/or the uppersurface 18 of the cooktop 14 remain at an elevated temperature 56. Inheating appliances 16 that incorporate the indicial light module 10, theindicial light module 10 provides illuminated indicia 52 to the user tocommunicate that the surface temperature 56 of the cooktop 14 is at anelevated level to be warm or hot, whether the electric burner 12 is inthe deactive state 20, any of the active states 22 and/or the cooldownstate 24. The various illuminated indicia 52 can include one or moretypes of indicia that communicate various information to the user. Suchilluminated indicia 52 related to the status of the heating appliance 16can include, but is not limited by, heat indicia, temperature indicia,function indicia, heating condition indicia, and others.

According to the various embodiments, the cooldown state 24 of theelectric burner 12 can be defined by an elevated surface temperature 56of the upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14 after the electric burner 12has been moved from one of the active states 22 to the deactive state20. The cooldown state 24 can persist until such time as the surfacetemperature 56 of the upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14 reaches orfalls below a predetermined temperature 100. At this point, theilluminated state 28 of the indicial light module 10 can be deactivatedand the lighting elements 80 turned off. The temperature sensor 90 cancommunicate to the indicial light module 10 the temperature 56 of theupper surface 18 of the cooktop 14 such that the indicial light module10 can convey an illuminated indicia 52 to the user as to the existingtemperature 56 when the surface temperature 56 of the upper surface 18of the cooktop 14 exceeds the predetermined temperature 100. It iscontemplated that such illuminated indicia 52 can include one or more ofthe plurality of light intensities provided by one or more lightingelements 80 disposed within the indicial light module 10.

It is also contemplated that the illuminated indicia 52 can be aplurality of colored lights 110 that are directed through the partiallytranslucent cooktop 14. Such colored lights 110 can correspond to thetemperature 56 of the upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14. In such anembodiment, the plurality of light elements within the indicial lightmodule 10 can include a first light element 120 having a first color 122and a second light element 124 having a second color 126. The pluralityof illuminated indicia 54 produced by the plurality of lighting elements80 can include a plurality of illuminated colors delivered by a singlelight guide 30, or multiple light guides 30, and directed through thepartially translucent cooktop 14. In this manner, the first and secondlight elements 120, 124 can be simultaneously illuminated, and atvarying intensities, to form a third color 128 of the illuminatedindicia 52. It is contemplated that the light guide 30 for providing theplurality of illuminated colors can be made of various materials. Suchmaterials can include, but are not limited to, silicone, fiber opticcable, plastic, glass, combinations thereof, and other similarlight-transmitting materials.

It is contemplated that the number of colored lighting elements 80within the indicial light module 10 can vary depending upon theconfiguration of the heating appliance 16 and the number of coloredlights 110 intended to be included to produce the illuminated indicia 52for the heating appliance 16. It is also contemplated that variouscolored lights 110 can be combined to produce a wide range of coloredindicia such that the illuminated indicia 52 visible through thepartially translucent cooktop 14 can appear to be a series of steppedcolor variations or a gradual change in color that can correspond to thegradual change in the temperature 56 of the upper surface 18 of thecooktop 14. It is also contemplated that the plurality of lightintensities and the plurality of colored lights 110 that define theilluminated indicia 52 can correspond to a corresponding heatingcondition 140 or heating function of a plurality of heating conditions140 or heating functions of the heating appliance 16, as will bedescribed more fully below.

According to the various embodiments, where a temperature sensor 90 isnot included in the heating appliance 16, the illuminated state 28 ofthe indicial light module 10 can be activated when the flow ofelectrical current 70 is delivered to the electric burner 12 to placethe electric burner 12 in one of the active states 22. In such anembodiment, it is contemplated that an electrical sensor 150 formonitoring the presence or absence of electrical current 70 and/or theamount of electrical current 70 flowing through a particular electricburner 12.

According to the various aspects of the device, the heating appliance 16incorporating the indicial light module 10 can be configured to providethe illuminated indicia 52 without the aid of a temperature sensor 90.In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the flow of electricalcurrent 70 provided to the electric burner 12, which generallycorresponds to the temperature 56 of the upper surface 18 of the cooktop14, can be used to communicate to the indicial light module 10 theintensity and/or color of the illuminated indicia 52 to provide forviewing through the translucent cooktop 14. In such an embodiment, thegreater the flow of electrical current 70 through the electric burner12, the higher the temperature 56 will be of the upper surface 18 of thecooktop 14. As the flow of electrical current 70 is increased ordecreased, the increase or decrease in the flow of electrical current 70will communicate to the indicial light module 10 how, based upon thechange in heat 72, the illuminated indicia 52 should appear through thetranslucent cooktop 14.

By way of example, and not limitation, a greater flow of electricalcurrent 70 can correspond to an illuminated indicia 52 that communicatesa higher temperature 56. Conversely, a lesser flow of electrical current70 can correspond to an illuminated indicia 52 that communicates a lowertemperature 56. When the flow of electrical current 70 to the electricburner 12 is interrupted and the electric burner 12 and the cooktop 14are placed in the cooldown state 24, it is contemplated that a control160 for operating the indicial light module 10 can include a timingfunction that corresponds to the general time necessary for the electricburner 12 and the cooktop 14 to cool down after being at a particularheating level. Such a timer function would necessarily include anapproximated time for cooling down the electric burner 12 and thecooktop 14 since various factors can dictate the amount of time actuallynecessary for cooling down the electric burner 12 and cooktop 14 for theheating appliance 16. While the timing function may not be a preciseindicator of the actual temperature 56 of the upper surface 18 of thecooktop 14, the timing function may be used in various models of heatingappliances 16 that are intended to include different applications andfunctions.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-6, where the heating appliance 16 includes atemperature sensor 90 for communicating to the indicial light module 10the temperature 56 of the upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14, theindicial light module 10 can receive electrical current 70 that isdelivered separately and independently from the electric currentdelivered to the electric burner 12. Accordingly, the flow of electricalcurrent 70 to the electric burner 12, in various embodiments, may notcommunicate to the indicial light module 10 information corresponding tothe illuminated indicia 52 to be communicated to the user of theappliance. It is also contemplated that a temperature sensor 90 andelectrical sensor 150, such as a voltage sensor, resistor, or otherelectrical sensor 150, can operate in combination to communicate to theuser various temperatures 56 and/or heating conditions 140 of theheating appliance 16. In such an embodiment, the various temperature andelectrical sensors 90, 150 can be implemented while the electric burner12 is in one of the active states 22. The various active states 22 of anelectric burner 12 can include various temperatures 56 of the electricburner 12, and can also include various predefined heating conditions140 of the heating appliance 16. Such predefined functions can include,but are not limited to, a preheat function, a warming function, atemperature function that fluctuates the flow of electricity to theelectric burner 12 to maintain a consistent temperature 56 on the uppersurface 18 of the cooktop 14, and other similar functions of the heatingappliance 16. In addition to the voltage sensor, or other electricalsensor 150, the illuminated indicia 52 during operation of the variousactive states 22 of the heating appliance 16 and the electric burner 12can be dictated by the control 160 for operating the heating appliance16.

According to the various embodiments, when the flow of electricalcurrent 70 to the electric burner 12 is interrupted and the electricburner 12 is placed in the deactive state 20, it may be necessary toimplement the use of a temperature sensor 90 for accurately measuringthe temperature 56 of the upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14. In such anembodiment, the cooldown state 24 of the heating appliance 16 can beaccurately conveyed through the illuminated indicia 52 to the user ofthe heating appliance 16. Additionally, the use of a temperature sensor90 can be implemented when a heated cooking article 170, such as a pot,pan, plate or other cooking article 170 is placed upon the upper surface18 of the cooktop 14. While the electric burner 12 may not be in anactive or cooldown state 22, 24, the heat from the cooking article 170may transfer heat 72 from the cooking article 170 to the cooktop 14. Thetemperature 56 of the upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14 may becomeelevated as a result of the placement of the heated cooking article 170.In such a situation, the temperature sensor 90 of the heating appliance16 can recognize an elevation in the surface temperature 56 of thecooktop 14, such that such a rise in surface temperature 56 can becommunicated to the user through an illuminated indicia 52 provided bythe indicial light module 10.

According to various embodiments, such a functionality may be useful,where the electric burner 12 is an inductive heating element. When aninductive heating element is used, the temperature 56 of the uppersurface 18 of the cooktop 14 is not directly heated by the inductiveelectric burner 12. The operation of inductive heating causes thecooking article 170 placed upon the cooktop 14 to be heated through theformation of an induced electrical current 70 within the cooking article170 that results in resistive heating formed within the cooking article170 itself, rather than within the cooktop 14 of the heating appliance16. The cooking article 170 that is heated through the inductiveelectric burner 12, can radiate heat 72 from the heated cooking article170 and into the cooktop 14 that can result in an elevated temperature56 of the upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14. The temperature sensor 90can measure the increase in surface temperature 56 of the cooktop 14 andcommunicate to the user, through the illuminated indicia 52 provided bythe indicial light module 10, the surface temperature 56 of the cooktop14. Accordingly, the plurality of illuminated indicia 54 can include aplurality of heat-related illuminated indicia 52, wherein each heatrelated illuminated indicia 52 of the plurality of heat-relatedilluminated indicia corresponds to a respective surface temperature 56of the translucent cooktop 14.

Referring now to the various aspects of the device as exemplified inFIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the light guide 30 for the indicial light module 10can include one or more members that extend around at least a portion ofthe electric burner 12. It is contemplated that the light guide 30 caninclude first and second ends 180, 182 that are each positioned within aportion of the indicial light module 10. In this manner, a plurality oflighting elements 80 of the indicial light guide 30 can be positioned todirect light 50 through one or both of the first and second ends 180,182 of the light guide 30. By directing light 50 through the first andsecond ends 180, 182 of the light guide 30, the colors from lightingelements 80 can be shown through the first and second ends 180, 182 ofthe light guide 30 to produce a wide range of individual or combinedcolors. By way of example, and not limitation, a red-colored first lightelement 120 can be positioned at a first end 180 of the light guide 30and a yellow-colored second light element 124 can be positioned at thesecond end 182 of the light guide 30. In such an embodiment, yellow orred light can be produced by alternately activating one of the first andsecond light elements 120, 124. Additionally, where both the first andsecond light elements 120, 124 are activated, the red and yellow lightfrom the first and second light elements 120, 124 can be mixed withinthe light guide 30 to produce an orange light, as a third color 128,within the light guide 30. Such mixing of light 50, commonly referred toas additive color mixing, can be implemented through the use of a widerange of colored lighting elements 80 to produce wide ranges of colorsvisible by the user through the upper surface 18 of the translucentcooktop 14.

According to various aspects of the device, the translucent cooktop 14of the heating appliance 16 can be tinted such that the various internalcomponents of the heating appliance 16 are obscured from view by theuser. Translucency of the cooktop 14 is configured to be of a degreesuch that the mechanical and electrical mechanisms of the heatingappliance 16 are generally not visible by the user. The translucency ofthe cooktop 14 is such that the illuminated indicia 52 provided by theindicial light module 10 is visible through the partially translucentcooktop 14. As a result of the partial translucency of the cooktop 14,the cooktop 14 may be tinted such that a substantially white light 50positioned under the cooktop 14 may appear to be a different color whenviewed from above the cooktop 14. In such an embodiment, the light guide30 can be tinted, or a tinted member can surround the light guide 30.The effect of a tinted layer or tinted material of the light guide 30 isthat the tinted light emanating from the light guide 30, when passedthrough the translucent cooktop 14, appears to the user as a visiblelight having a wavelength corresponding to a substantially predeterminedcolored light 110. Such a colored light 110 can include white, blue,red, yellow, any combination thereof, or any color desired for use as acomponent of the indicial illumination of the device.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-5, according to various aspects of thedevice, the illuminated indicia 52 can be positioned within specificportions of the cooktop 14, proximate each of the respective electricburners 12. It is contemplated that each electric burner 12 can have itsown dedicated indicial light module 10 for providing an independent anddedicated illuminated indicia 52 for each of the electric burners 12 ofthe heating appliance 16. To assist in directing the illuminated indicia52, portions of the light guide 30 can be covered by an opaque covering190 that limits the delivery of the illuminated indicia 52 to be fromonly specific portions of the light guide 30. It is contemplated thatthe illuminated indicia 52 can be positioned in front 192 of each of theelectric burners 12, such that the illuminated indicia 52 can be visibleunder or around the cooking utensil placed upon an electric burner 12.Accordingly, the illuminated indicia 52 may be a linear or arcuatemember that extends around only a small portion of the electric burner12. It is also contemplated that the light guide 30 can be configured toconvey the illuminated indicia 52 around the entire circumference of theelectric burner 12 or one or more portions of the circumference of theelectric burner 12.

According to the various embodiments, in order to allow the illuminatedindicia 52 to be directed toward the cooktop 14 by particular portionsof the light guide 30, the light guide 30 can include a conditionedportion or a conditioned surface 34 that allows light 50 to be directedfrom the interior of the light guide 30 and toward the cooktop 14 toproduce the illuminated indicia 52 for the heating appliance 16. Suchconditioned surface 34 or conditioned portion can include, but is notlimited to, a surface texture, a geometric shape incorporated within thelight guide 30, and other similar conditioned surfaces 34 that areconfigured to direct light 50 upward and through the surface of thetranslucent cooktop 14. The use of the conditioned surface 34 can, invarious embodiments, make the user of the opaque covering 190unnecessary, as will be described more fully below.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, it iscontemplated that the light guide 30 for directing light 50 from theindicial light module 10 can be a silicone light guide 30 that is asolid silicone prism 40 that extends at least partially around theelectric burner 12. The light guide 30 can also include a plurality ofsolid silicone prisms 40 that extend at least partially around theelectric burner 12. The one or more solid silicone prisms 40 can beformed into any one of various shapes or prismatic cross-sectionalshapes that can include, but are not limited to, a cylindrical prism,triangular prism 200, rectilinear prism, irregular prism, hemisphericprism, combinations thereof, or other substantially similarsubstantially solid shape. Each of the one or more solid silicone prisms40 can be in communication with one or more dedicated lighting elements80 for directing light 50 through a corresponding solid silicone prism40. The use of the term “solid” is meant to convey that the siliconelight guide 30 is formed to be substantially free or free of voids, airpockets, foreign material, and other particulate matter within theinterior of the silicone light guide 30. Such materials disposed withinthe interior of the silicone light guide 30 can serve to impede themovement and reflection of light 50 within the silicone light guide 30for ultimate delivery through the conditioned surface 34 or geometricportion of the silicone light guide 30. Such foreign material candiminish the amount of light 50 that is directed to the cooktop 14 fordefining the illuminated indicia 52. According to various aspects of thedevice, the conditioned surface 34 of the silicone light guide 30 caninclude a raised elongated ridge 210 that extends along a portion of thesilicone light guide 30. Such a raised elongated ridge 210 can be formedthrough a triangular prism-shaped light guide that extends around aportion of the electric burner 12. In such an embodiment, the raisedelongated ridge 210 can be configured to produce an illuminated indicia52 in the form of a fine illuminated line directed from the siliconelight guide 30 and through the translucent cooktop 14 for observation bythe user of the heating appliance 16.

The solid silicone light guide 30 may be shaped to create the phenomenaof total internal reflection 212 within portions of the solid siliconelight guide 30. In these portions, light 50 from the one or more lightfixtures is directed such that no portion or substantially no portion ofthe light escapes the light guide 30. Where a conditioned portion ispresent, the surface of the light guide 30 becomes slightly lessefficient such that at least a portion of the light 50 is directed toescape through the conditioned portion of the light guide 30 and causethe formation of the illuminated indicia 52 through the cooktop 14. Itis also contemplated that the opaque covering 190 and the conditionedsurface 34 can be located on various positions of the light guide 30 andcan be used independently or used in conjunction to direct light 50emanating from the conditioned portion of the light guide 30 to generatethe various illuminated indicia 52 within the cooktop 14. It iscontemplated that the opaque portion can have a reflective inwardsurface that assists in the internal reflection 212 of light 50 throughthe light guide 30 and also direct light 50 to the conditioned portionfor forming the illuminated indicia 52. In addition, it is contemplatedthat the conditioned surface 34 of the light guide 30 can also beincluded on or within a bottom surface of the light guide 30. In such anembodiment, it is contemplated that the top side of the light guide 30can be substantially smooth. The top side of the light guide 30, as wellas each surface of the light guide 30, can also include variousgeometries, including but not limited to, flat, arcuate, ridged,irregular, polygonal, combinations thereof, and other similar geometriesfor directing light 50 through a portion of the cooktop 14.

According to the various aspects of the device, the use of siliconewithin the heating appliance 16 serves as an efficient conductor oflight 50 to act as a light guide 30 for delivering illumination from theindicial light module 10 for conveying the illuminated indicia 52 to theuser of the heating appliance 16. Additionally, silicone is a generallyheat resistive material that is unaffected or substantially unaffectedby high levels of heat 72. Accordingly, placement of the silicone lightguide 30 proximate an electric burner 12 will not affect orsubstantially not effect the operation of the silicone light guide 30 inuse of a heating appliance 16 and indicial light module 10.Additionally, silicone is a material that is relatively formable andefficient to work with to form various consistent geometries for formingthe silicone light guide 30 for use with the indicial light module 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 11, it is contemplated that the siliconelight guide 30 can include a single light guide member or multiple lightguide members for delivering light 50 from the various light fixtures ofthe indicial light module 10 to the upper surface 18 of the translucentcooktop 14. While FIGS. 6 and 8 illustrate a pair of silicone lightguides 30, it is contemplated that three or more light guides 30 can beincorporated within the heating appliance 16 for conveying multipleilluminated indicia 52 for conveying various information during use of aheating appliance 16. A light guide frame 220 can be implemented toobtain the plurality of light guides 30 in a desired configuration withrespect to the indicial light module 10 and the electric burner 12. Theframe 220 can also serve as part of the opaque covering 190 for thelight guide 30.

Referring now to the various aspects of the device as exemplified inFIGS. 9-11, the light guide 30 for use in delivering light 50 from theindicial light module 10 to the translucent cooktop 14 can include oneor more fiber optic light guides 230 that extends from the indiciallight module 10 that extends around a portion of the electric burner 12.In such an embodiment, the fiber optic light guide 230 can be positionedsuch that the lighting element 80 directs light 50 through the fiberoptic light guide 230 and through an outer surface 32 of the fiber opticlight guide 230 that includes the conditioned surface 34 for directinglight 50 upward and through the translucent cooktop 14. It iscontemplated that each fiber optic light guide 230 can include a coremember 232, typically made of plastic, clear silicone or glass, and acladding member 234 that extends around the core member 232 to protectthe core member 232. According to the various embodiments, each fiberoptic light guide 230 can include an edge-emitting fiber 236 where aboundary 238 between the core member 232 and cladding member 234 isslightly inefficient, thereby forming the conditioned surface 34.Typically, each fiber optic light guide 230 results in light 50 beingtransmitted along and through the fiber optic core member 232 throughthe process of total internal reflection 212. As a result of totalinternal reflection 212, light 50 is transferred along the fiber opticlight guide 230 from one end to the other. Where the boundary 238between the core member 232 and cladding member 234 is made to beslighting inefficient through a surface texture, geometric shape, orother similar conditioned surface 34, the process of total internalreflection 212 is at least partially interrupted such that a portion ofthe light 50 is directed through the conditioned surface 34 and throughan edge 240 of the fiber optic light guide 230. In this manner, light 50can be directed from the fiber optic light guide 230 through theconditioned surface 34 to the transparent cooktop 14 of the heatingappliance 16.

According to the various embodiments, as exemplified in FIGS. 9-11, eachfiber optic light guide 230 can include a conditioned surface 34 in theform of a textured surface along the boundary 238 between the coremember 232 and the cladding member 234. Additionally, the conditionedsurface 34 can be a raised elongated ridge 210 that extends along theportion of the fiber optic light guide 230, such as along the boundary238 between the core member 232 and the cladding member 234.Additionally, the fiber optic light guide 230 can include a plurality offiber optic members 242 that extend at least partially around theelectric burner 12 to convey the various illuminated indicia 52 throughthe translucent cooktop 14, as dictated by the selected function of theheating appliance 16 and/or the temperature 56 of the upper surface 18of the cooktop 14.

According to various embodiments, the one or more light fixtures thatdirect light 50 through at least one of the first and second ends 180,182 of the light guide 30 can be one or more of various types of lightfixtures. Such light fixtures can include, but are not limited to, lightemitting diode (LED), incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, combinationsthereof, and other similar light fixtures. It is also contemplated thatthe indicial light module 10 can include a housing 250 that at leastpartially encloses the light fixtures and the first and second ends 180,182 of the light guide 30. The housing 250 can also serve as a conduitthrough which electrical wiring 252 can extend to provide electricalcurrent 70 to the electric burner 12 and/or the indicial light guide 30.In such an embodiment, the housing 250 can include the electric sensorfor measuring the flow of electrical current 70 through the electricalwiring 252. It is also contemplated that the temperature sensor 90 canbe positioned proximate the housing 250.

Referring now to the various aspects of the device as illustrated inFIGS. 1-12, having described various aspects of the device, a method 400is disclosed for providing an illuminated indicia 52 for communicatingthe heating state of a heating appliance 16. According to the method400, a control 160 for the heating appliance 16 is manipulated to set adesired heating condition (step 402). Based upon the heating conditionselected, a level of electrical current 70 is delivered to the electricburner 12 of a heating appliance 16 for generating heat 72 (step 404).The flow of electricity to the electric burner 12 results in theelectric burner 12 being placed in one of the active states 22 and heat72 being delivered to a cooking utensil such as a pot or pan. In thecase of a resistive heating element, the electric burner 12 providesdirect heat 72 that is transferred to the cooktop 14, and then to thecooking utensil. In the case of an induction burner, the inductiveprocess forms heat 72 within the cooking utensil through the creation ofan induced electrical current 70 within the cooking utensil itself.

According to another aspect of the method 400, when the electric burner12 is placed is one of the active states 22 of the heating appliance 16,a sensor communicates to the indicial light module 10 the selectedheating condition (step 406). The heating condition can be a temperatureand/or function of the heating appliance 16. The sensor can be atemperature sensor 90 that detects the temperature 56 of the uppersurface 18 of the cooktop 14. The sensor can also be a voltage sensorthat detects the flow of electrical current 70 to the electrical burner,where the sensor communicates the presence of an electrical current 70to the control 160, which operates the indicial light module 10. Theindicial light module 10, in response to the information from thesensor, activates one or more lighting elements 80 (step 408). Thelighting elements 80 deliver light 50 into at least one of a first andsecond end 180, 182 of the light guide 30 where the light 50 isinternally reflected within the light guide 30 (step 410). Theinternally reflected light 50 within the light guide 30 is delivered toa conditioned surface 34 of the light guide 30 where the light 50 isallowed to partially escape the light guide 30 and be directed towardthe upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14 where the light 50 directed bythe light guide 30 is visible by a user during operation of the cooktop14 (step 412).

According to the various embodiments, as the user of the heatingappliance 16 adjusts the user interface to select a differenttemperature 56 or different heating condition of the heating appliance16, such change at the user interface can result in a change intemperature 56 of the upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14 or a change inthe flow of electrical current 70 to the electric burner 12. This changein temperature 56 or flow of electrical current 70 can be detected byone of the sensors and communicated to the indicial light module 10,resulting in a different combination of light fixtures beingilluminated, or a different intensity of illumination for one or more ofthe light sensors.

It is also contemplated that modification of the user interface can bedirectly communicated to the indicial light module 10, where a change intemperature 56 or a change in heating condition at the user interface isdirectly communicated to the indicial light module 10 to modify theilluminated indicia 52 provided by the indicial light module 10 throughthe light guide 30 and to the upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14.

It is further contemplated that the temperature sensor 90 disposedproximate the cooktop 14 can be in communication with the upper surface18 of the cooktop 14 to record a surface temperature 56 of the cooktop14 proximate the electric burner 12. The temperature 56 recorded by thesensor can be delivered to the indicial light module 10 or to a control160 for operating the indicial light module 10 for modifying thecombination of light fixtures to be activated, deactivated or modulatedto convey the proper illuminated indicia 52 to the user of the heatingappliance 16. The temperature sensor 90 can also be implemented toconvey the state of the upper surface 18 of the cooktop 14 after theelectric burner 12 is deactivated. Such a configuration can beimplemented to convey to the user a cool down state of the heatingappliance 16, whereby the electric burner 12 are deactivated, but theupper surface 18 of the cooktop 14 remains at an elevated temperature 56for a period of time. The temperature sensor 90 detects the surfacetemperature 56 of the cooktop 14 as the cooktop 14 cools to atemperature at or near the ambient air temperature of the room withinwhich the cooking appliance is placed.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described device and other components is not limitedto any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the devicedisclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unlessdescribed otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present device. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understoodthat such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claimsunless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodimentsonly. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the artand to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understoodthat the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merelyfor illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of thedevice, which is defined by the following claims as interpretedaccording to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine ofEquivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A heating appliance comprising: a translucentcooktop surface; an electric burner positioned below and in thermalcommunication with the translucent cooktop surface, the electric burnerbeing operable between a deactive state and an active state, wherein thetranslucent cooktop surface proximate the electric burner defines acooldown state after the electric burner is moved from the active stateto the deactive state; a light module including a light source, whereinthe light module is in an illuminated state when the electric burner isin the active state, and wherein the light module remains in theilluminated state during the cooldown state; and a fiber optic lightguide extending from the light module and extending around a perimeterof the electric burner, wherein the fiber optic light guide ispositioned such that the light source directs light through the fiberoptic light guide, and wherein the fiber optic light guide includes acore member having an upper conditioned surface that is positioned alonga top portion of the core member for directing a concentrated lightpattern upward and through the translucent cooktop surface, wherein theupper conditioned surface includes a prism formation that extendssubstantially uniformly and continuously along the top portion, andwherein the light from the light source is directed into a center of thecore member and along the upper conditioned surface.
 2. The heatingappliance of claim 1, wherein the illuminated state of the light moduleis activated when a temperature of the translucent cooktop surfaceproximate the electric burner exceeds a predetermined temperature. 3.The heating appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a temperaturesensor in communication with the translucent cooktop surface, whereinthe temperature sensor records a surface temperature of the translucentcooktop surface proximate the electric burner, wherein the cooldownstate is defined by the surface temperature exceeding a predeterminedtemperature after flow of electrical current to the electric burner isinterrupted.
 4. The heating appliance of claim 1, wherein the prismformation of the upper conditioned surface is an extruded formationdefined within the fiber optic light guide.
 5. The heating appliance ofclaim 4, wherein the prism formation of the upper conditioned surfaceincludes at least one raised elongated ridge that extends along aportion of the fiber optic light guide.
 6. The heating appliance ofclaim 5, wherein the fiber optic light guide includes a silicone outerlayer that extends around the core member.
 7. The heating appliance ofclaim 6, wherein the silicone outer layer engages the prism formation ofthe upper conditioned surface in a surface-to-surface engagement todefine an inefficient boundary between the core member and the siliconeouter layer that directs the light through the top portion and towardthe translucent cooktop surface.
 8. The heating appliance of claim 1,wherein the upper conditioned surface of the fiber optic light guideincludes a tinted layer such that light visible through the translucentcooktop surface from the fiber optic light guide includes a visiblelight wavelength corresponding to a substantially white color.
 9. Theheating appliance of claim 1, wherein the electric burner is a resistiveheating element.
 10. A heating appliance comprising: an electric burnerpositioned beneath a translucent cooktop; a light module incommunication with the translucent cooktop proximate the electricburner, the light module including a lighting element that selectivelydirects light through a fiber optic light guide extending around theelectric burner; and a temperature sensor in communication with thelight module, wherein the temperature sensor measures a surfacetemperature of the translucent cooktop proximate the electric burner,and wherein the lighting element generates a plurality of illuminativeindicia within the fiber optic light guide that corresponds to thesurface temperature of the translucent cooktop, wherein the fiber opticlight guide includes at least one continuous prism-shaped ridge thatextends substantially uniformly along an upper surface of the fiberoptic light guide, wherein the light is directed substantially throughthe at least one continuous prism-shaped ridge and is concentrated as atleast one elongated line of light that is directed toward thetranslucent cooktop.
 11. The heating appliance of claim 10, whereinelectrical current delivered to the light module is delivered separatelyand independently from electrical current delivered to the electricburner.
 12. The heating appliance of claim 10, wherein the lightingelement is positioned to direct light through one of a first end and asecond end of the fiber optic light guide.
 13. The heating appliance ofclaim 10, wherein the at least one continuous prism-shaped ridge is anextruded portion of the fiber optic light guide that directs light fromthe lighting element.
 14. The heating appliance of claim 10, wherein thelighting element includes a plurality of lighting elements that includesa first light element having a first color and a second light elementhaving a second color.
 15. The heating appliance of claim 14, furthercomprising: a control in communication with the electric burner and thelight module, wherein the control is operable to adjust flow ofelectrical current to the electric burner to define a plurality ofheating conditions of the translucent cooktop, and wherein operation ofthe control also operates the light module to generate a plurality ofilluminated colors from the fiber optic light guide, wherein each of theplurality of illuminated colors corresponds to a corresponding heatingcondition of the plurality of heating conditions.
 16. The heatingappliance of claim 10, wherein the electric burner is a resistiveheating element.
 17. A heating appliance comprising: an electric burnerpositioned below a translucent cooktop, wherein the electric burnerselectively provides heat to generate a plurality of heating conditionsof the translucent cooktop; and a light module having a light fixtureand at least one fiber optic light guide, wherein the light fixture ispositioned to direct light through one of a first end and a second endof the at least one fiber optic light guide to produce a plurality ofilluminated indicia visible through the translucent cooktop, wherein theplurality of illuminated indicia includes a plurality of operationalindicia, wherein each operational indicia of the plurality ofoperational indicia corresponds to a respective heating condition of theplurality of heating conditions; and wherein the at least one fiberoptic light guide includes a core member and an outer covering that havea surface-to-surface engagement that defines an internal boundarytherebetween, wherein a top portion of the internal boundary defines anextruded prism-shaped surface that extends uniformly and continuouslyalong the internal boundary, and wherein the extruded prism-shapedsurface defines an inefficient portion of the internal boundary thatconcentrates the light upward to the translucent cooktop.
 18. Theheating appliance of claim 17, further comprising: a temperature sensorin communication with a surface of the translucent cooktop and the lightmodule, wherein the temperature sensor determines a surface temperatureof the translucent cooktop, wherein the plurality of illuminated indiciaincludes a plurality of heat indicia, wherein each heat indicia of theplurality of heat indicia corresponds to a respective surfacetemperature of the translucent cooktop.
 19. The heating appliance ofclaim 17, wherein the at least one fiber optic light guide includes aplurality of fiber optic light guides that extend around the electricburner.
 20. The heating appliance of claim 19, wherein each core memberof the plurality of fiber optic light guides includes a prism-shapedridge that extends along the entire core member to define the extrudedprism-shaped surface that directs light from the light fixture throughthe translucent cooktop to produce the plurality of illuminated indicia.